This November, I wanted to share some of my time in the military and how those things have defined me. There wasn’t a better guest than my best man, mentor, and brother to help share some of my life’s toughest challenges. Thank you, Kenny, Allison, and the kids for being there for me through the toughest of times.
I’ve always been enthralled by his productive attitude and commitment to excel, no matter the circumstances. Kenneth “Kenny” Leitch arrived at Hill AFB, Utah after spending a tour in Alaska. His “country-boy” swagger, job knowledge, and dedication to family fueled our early camaraderie. We built our friendship into a family with nighttime dinners, intramural sports, holiday celebrations, JHMCS helmets, and Captain Morgan shots.
Our friendship was reignited when I received orders to join the Leitch family at Scott AFB, Illinois. Kenny and his family had gotten orders to move the year prior and I had been attempting to join him, and be closer to Iowa. Things were just as they should be, for a while….
Listen in to hear how my decision to “pull the trigger” and exit the military sent me spiraling into the darkest point of my life. Filled with anxiety and depression and off my medication cold turkey I contemplated whether my life was worth living. I thought they’d be better off without me.
Hindsight has shown me that the darkness always lifts, and the light will shine. But, without the support and love of my friends and family, my story would be much different today.
Today, MSgt Kenneth Leitch is stationed at Joint Base Andrews, located in Maryland, right outside the nation’s capital of Washington DC. It’s fitting that his Air Force journey has come full circle, with only 22 months of active-duty service left, Kenny will retire at the same hospital where he was born.
Thank you for your steadfast service and congratulations on the well-deserved retirement, MSgt Leitch! Love you, brother!
Engage with The World With Nate on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworldwithnatepodcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldwithnate/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-allison-4406b49a
Website: https://anchor.fm/theworldwithnate
